When you think of Disney’s classic animated feature, The Lion King, it’s hard not to think of Sir Elton John’s music.
After all, the 72-year-old English musician, alongside lyricist Tim Rice, is responsible for the movie’s hit songs. Can You Feel the Love Tonight and The Circle of Life are known all over the world.
John was even hired to write a new song for the live-action remake’s credits – ‘Never Too Late’, once again alongside Rice.
Yet, despite that and the fact he helped rearrange some of the old songs for The Lion King remake, John is none too happy with the finished product.
True to the soul of a musician, John complained about the film’s soundtrack. Speaking to GQ magazine, he regarded the movie
Wow, Elton John – tell us how you really feel!
He went on to say that “music was so much a part of the original” and the music “didn’t have the same impact” in The Lion King remake.
John felt that there was no “magic or joy” present in Disney’s remade product and noted that the new soundtrack hadn’t recaptured the commercial success of the original one.
The original soundtrack for Disney’s The Lion King was the best-selling album of its release year, but the ‘Rocketman’ singer was disappointed that the new one fell out of the charts “so quickly”.
Furthermore, the British pianist was saddened by the difference in creative vision for the project and the fact he wasn’t “welcomed or treated with the same level of respect”.
As of the time of writing, The Lion King has amassed an impressive $1.650 billion USD worldwide on a $250-260 million budget. Despite John’s disappointment in the film, it would appear nostalgia really pays (and presents a sobering sign that the Disney remakes will keep on coming!)
